Resources
The Resource is a core concept in EMarket. It is a specific Instance of an EMarket modelling or data formatting element. By creating multiple Instances of the same Resource type (e.g. Generator), alternative scenarios can be rapidly created and analysed.
The list below shows the names of the Resources used in EMarket. Clicking on a name will take you to the relevant page for more information on the Resource.
The Resources File
EMarket uses a text file to record the configuration of all available Resources in a Working Directory.
The file is called Resourcesnnnn.txt (where nnnn is the resource file version number), and it is stored in the Saved folder of the current Working Directory.
A version of the Resources file is created when each of the following events takes place:
- EMarket is opened
- EMarket is closed
- A Run is executed
- The Save Data function is used
The Resources file, along with the Forecast input data, captures all the information required for EMarket to produce Forecasts. Resources files can be copied, archived and retrieved from archive. Retrieved files will faithfully reproduce all Resource Instances in the Working Directory at the time of archiving.
Note: Another, smaller file, called the Run Resource file is created every time a Run is executed. This file is stored under the individual Run results folder under the Results directory and contains details about the Run execution. This file ensures that Forecast data can always be tracked back to the modelling environment under which it was created.
Managing Resources
EMarket provides the following features to assist in managing Resources:
- Creating, Copying and Deleting Resources
- Exporting/Importing Resources
- Resources Report
- Presets
Creating, Copying and Deleting Resources
In order to create, copy or delete a Resource Instance the appropriate Resource type must be displayed in the Central Resources Panel. This is achieved by clicking on the correct Resource tab on the left of the Main Window.
| Creating a new (blank) Resource Instance | <insert> or right click then New |
| Deleting an existing Resource Instance | <Delete> or right click then Delete, then select Yes or press <y> |
| Copying an existing resource Instance | <Ctrl c> or right click then copy |
| Editing an existing Resource Instance | Double click or right click then Edit |
Exporting/Importing Resources
Exporting Resources
The Export Resources feature allows you to save Resource Instances for subsequent re-use or distribution to other users. The feature is only available for the Resource type currently displayed in the Central Resource Panel. Resource Instances can be exported either to a text file or to the Windows clipboard.
To export a Resource Instance:
- Select Export Resources from the drop down Resources Menu in the Main Window
- Select whether you want to export To File or To Clipboard
- Check the boxes beside which Resource Instances you want to export
- If exporting To Clipboard, clicking OK will copy the Resource Instance(s) to the clipboard. If exporting To File, press OK and then specify where you want to save the exported file(s)
Importing Resources
This feature complements the Export Resources function and is used to restore Resources Instances from a text file or the Windows Clipboard.
To import a Resource Instance:
- Select Import Resources from the drop down Resources Menu in the Main Window
- Select whether you want to import From File, From Clipboard or From Multiple Reports on Clipboard
- If importing From Clipboard ensure that the clipboard contains at least one valid Resource description, then press Yes
- If importing From File select the file containing the Resource Instance(s) and double click on it or press Open
- From Multiple Reports on Clipboard allows you to import multiple Resources of different types at the same time
- Press the OK button
Note: The message "No Resources Imported" is displayed if no valid Resource Instances can be found in the file or clipboard.